Chapter 271:
Seeing those words, the Third Hokage couldn't stop the tears welling up in his eyes. His hand trembled as he held the message.
Let Orochimaru come back to help?
How could he not want to?
After all, with the strength Orochimaru displayed during the Land of Frost battle, there was no doubt he could save Konoha in its dire situation.
But…
The Third Hokage couldn't ignore the bitter truth: Orochimaru's defection was largely his fault. He had forced Orochimaru into that corner. Now, how could he be shameless enough to beg him for help?
Even if Orochimaru could be found which was unlikely, given how elusive he had been, would he actually come back? He'd probably laugh at his incompetence before leaving Konoha to its fate.
With a heavy sigh, the Third Hokage muttered, "Prepare yourselves. We'll head to the Suna defense line to meet Tsunade."
"Report, Hokage-sama! Tsunade-sama is already on her way back," an ANBU informed him.